As African leaders gather in Addis Ababa this weekend, they must confront a truth that has long haunted the continent: without peace, economic development remains a distant dream. The promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is immense – a $3.4 trillion single market with the potential to transform Africa into a global economic powerhouse. But for this vision to be realised, Africa must first silence the guns. Conflict and instability have long been the greatest barriers to economic integration, and no amount of trade agreements or policy frameworks will succeed if violence continues to disrupt industries, displace communities, and deter investment.
The responsibility for ending conflict cannot rest solely on governments. The private sector, particularly under the leadership of the African Business Council (AfBC) and the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI), must step up as an active participant in the peace-building process. Businesses are not just bystanders in Africa’s struggles – they are deeply affected by war, and they have the power to be part of the solution. Stability creates an environment where businesses thrive, and businesses, in turn, can create economic opportunities that make conflict less likely. This is the cycle that Africa must foster.
The link between economic hardship and armed conflict is undeniable. Across the continent, many conflicts are fuelled by economic desperation, particularly among the youth. With millions of young Africans entering the job market each year and few formal employment opportunities available, frustration builds. When young people see no future for themselves, they become easy recruits for warlords, extremist groups, and organised crime syndicates. But if these same young people are given access to meaningful employment, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities, they become contributors to peace rather than participants in war. This is where business must intervene.
African businesses, particularly those expanding under the AfCFTA, must see themselves as agents of stability. By investing in job creation, skills development, and industrialisation, they can provide the alternatives that conflict-ridden regions desperately need. In post-conflict areas, where communities are trying to rebuild, the private sector can play a pivotal role in restoring infrastructure, reviving local economies, and providing people with the dignity of work. Reconstruction must not be left to governments and international aid organisations alone – African businesses must take the lead.
Beyond direct investment, businesses must also take a firm stand against corruption and illicit financial flows, which often serve as the economic lifeline of conflicts. Smuggling, illegal mining, and arms trafficking are sustained by shadow economies that thrive in war zones. Companies that turn a blind eye to corruption or engage in exploitative practices only deepen the cycle of instability. Ethical business practices, transparency, and corporate governance must become non-negotiable principles. Businesses that operate with integrity will help build trust in Africa’s economies, attracting both local and international investors and reinforcing the rule of law.
Security is another major factor in trade and economic growth. Many African countries remain burdened by insecure trade routes, where goods cannot move freely due to armed groups controlling key corridors. The cost of doing business skyrockets in these environments, as logistics become unpredictable and insurance premiums soar. If the AfCFTA is to succeed, businesses and governments must work together to secure trade routes and ensure the free flow of goods, services, and capital. Investments in digital security, border efficiency, and modernised customs procedures will not only facilitate trade but also help curb the illicit activities that fuel violence.
But business involvement in peace-building goes beyond economics. It is also about shaping narratives. The African private sector has the power to drive a shift in mindset – from a continent seen as a battleground to one recognised as a thriving economic hub. Business leaders must use their platforms to advocate for peace, stability, and unity. They must be vocal in urging governments to prioritise diplomacy over armed responses and to invest in long-term solutions rather than short-term military interventions.
As African leaders deliberate in Addis Ababa over the weekend, they must acknowledge that silencing the guns is not merely a political or security challenge – it is an economic imperative. AfBC and PACCI must seize this moment to push for structured private-sector engagement in conflict resolution and economic reconstruction. Businesses must be at the table when discussions about peace are held, because they have as much at stake as any government.
The future of Africa must not be determined by warlords, but by entrepreneurs. It must not be built on the sound of gunfire, but on the hum of factories, the buzz of innovation hubs, and the movement of goods across borders. A peaceful Africa is a prosperous Africa, and a prosperous Africa is an unstoppable force in the global economy. The time to act is now. Silence the guns, and let trade, investment, and opportunity speak instead.
Tujenge Afrika Pamoja! Let’s Build Africa Together!
Enjoy your weekend.
Saul Molobi (FCIM)
PUBLISHER: JAMBO AFRICA ONLINE
and
Group Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Brandhill Africa™
Tel: +27 11 759 4297
Mobile: +27 83 635 7773
Physical Address: 1st Floor, Cradock Square Offices; 169 Oxford Road; Rosebank; JOHANNESBURG; 2196.
eMail: saul.molobi@brandhillafrica.com
Website: www.brandhillafrica.com
Social Media: Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook / YouTube / Jambo Africa Online / WhatsApp Group / 101.9 Chai FM